While canonical EMT is well-studied in cancer progression, the hEMT state—marked by co-expression of epithelial (e.g., CDH1, IRF6, JUP) and mesenchymal (LAMC2, ITGB4, TGFA) genes—has emerged as a driver that enhances cellular plasticity and tumor metastasis. The gene discussed is IRF6; the disease is cancer.